Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered NBS Television to immediately stop split-screen advertising during news and current affairs programmes, citing breaches of the Advertising Standards 2019 and the Uganda Communications Act. This move marks a significant step in enforcing advertising regulations and maintaining editorial integrity across all Ugandan TV stations.
Split-screen advertising, which displays commercial messages alongside ongoing news content, has been criticized for blurring the line between journalism and commercial promotion. UCC noted that NBS TV’s use of the technique in programmes such as Morning Breeze, NBS Frontline, and NBS Eagle violated national broadcasting standards.
In its directive, UCC emphasized that all television broadcasters in Uganda are expected to comply immediately. While no financial penalty was imposed on NBS TV at this stage, the regulator warned that continued non-compliance could attract sanctions under the Uganda Communications Act.
“The practice of split-screen advertising during news and current affairs programmes undermines editorial independence and misleads viewers,” a UCC statement read. “This directive ensures that advertising content does not interfere with the delivery of factual news and information to the public.”
The directive is a precedent-setting move, reinforcing the separation of commercial content and journalism. It also signals that UCC will take a stricter approach in monitoring and enforcing broadcasting standards, ensuring that all media outlets uphold professional ethics in their programming.
For viewers, this decision promises clearer, more reliable news presentations, free from intrusive advertising. For broadcasters, it serves as a reminder to carefully adhere to the regulatory frameworks that govern media operations in Uganda.
